SAFETY AT VAIL

At Vail, your safety is our top priority. Please read through the information below completely before you arrive to ensure your visit is a great and safe one!

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

On-Mountain Emergency: 1-970-754-1911

Vail Ski Patrol: 1-970-754-4610

Vail Security: 1-970-754-3049

Uphill Access Info: 1-970-754-1023


Your Responsibility Code

HEADS UP, KNOW THE CODE. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Your Responsibility Code 
Vail Mountain is committed to promoting skier safety. In addition to people using traditional alpine ski equipment, you may be joined on the slopes by snowboarders, telemark skiers or cross-country skiers, skiers with disabilities, skiers with specialized equipment and others. Always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing and snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Know your ability level and stay within it. Observe “Your Responsibility Code” listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience. For more information about Vail’s commitment to Mountain Safety, please visit Patrol Headquarters located at the top of Mountain Top Express Lift (#4).

  1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
  2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
  3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
  4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
  5. You are responsible to prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
  7.  Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  8. You must know how and be able to load, ride, and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
  9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Be advised that Vail Ski Resort does not mark all potential obstacles or hazards. When marked, poles, flags, fencing, signage, padding, or other forms of marking are used to inform the skier/rider of the location of a potential obstacle or hazard. These markers do not guarantee your safety.
 
It is part of your responsibility under the Your Responsibility Code and the Colorado Ski Safety Act to avoid all obstacles and hazards. Learn more about safety on the mountain at www.nsaa.org.It is part of your responsibility under the Responsibility Code and the Colorado Ski Safety Act to avoid all obstacles and hazards. Learn more about safety on the mountain at our Vail Mountain Safety blog and through the National Ski Area Association.

WARNING

Under Colorado law, a skier assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing, including: changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collisions with natural objects, man-made objects, or other skiers; variations in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities. In-bounds avalanches are included in the above inherent dangers and risks. Also, the Ski Safety Act was amended in 2004 to include CLIFFS, EXTREME TERRAIN, JUMPS AND FREESTYLE TERRAIN as inherent dangers and risks of the sport.

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The Mountain Safety Program

Includes: 
  • Educating, enforcing, monitoring and providing positive reinforcement of the Skier Responsibility Code and the Colorado Ski Safety Act. 
  • Monitoring slow zones and high traffic areas across the resort. 
  • Increasing guest and employee awareness of safety initiatives through on-mountain and community-wide activities during National Safety Awareness Month and other designated dates through-out the season.

*Note: Any employee in uniform is available to assist with safety questions and is empowered to suspend or revoke the skiing or riding privileges of anyone demonstrating reckless or inappropriate behavior.

GO WITH THE FLOW

Certain areas and trails at Vail, indicated on the trail map in yellow, are designated as slow zones. Mountain Safety, Ski Patrol and other mountain employees are posted in these areas to help educate and enforce safe, responsible skiing and riding. Please observe these posted slow areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Slow Zones are often runs that host a spectrum of skiing abilities; space and speed are especially important in these areas. Slow down and go with the flow!
 
Slow Zones to Know: 
  • Flapjack 
  • Lower Born Free 
  • Chair 14, Sourdough Express, Area 
  • Practice Parkway 
  • Bottom of Chair 2, the Avanti Express (lower Avanti and lower Lodgepole)
  • Midvail
  • Henry’s Hill
  • Bottom of Game Creek Bowl

MORE SAFETY TIPS

3 Tips to enjoy your trip to Vail:
  
1. Be Ready
Be ready to slow down or avoid objects or other people at any time.  Ski and ride in such a way that you are always able to control yourself regardless of conditions and avoid others and objects you you may encounter on the run, groomed or otherwise.

2. Stay Alert
Stay alert to what's going on around you, especially other skiers and riders.  Being aware of those around and changing conditions will help you have a fun and safe day on the hill.

 

3. Plan Ahead
Ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails, and give other skiers plenty of room when passing. Look out for spots on the run where traffic merges or you can't see what's coming next. If you are unfamiliar with a run, take it easy the first time down it and make note of places where you'll want to slow down, such as cat tracks and rollers. Also, give other skiers and riders lots or room, especially if you are passing them. There's plenty of space out there, so there's no need to crowd each other.
By doing these three things every run, you'll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else

 

 

 

High Altitude Environment: We’re 8,200 to 11,570 feet above sea level on Vail Mountain! That makes for world-class snow, but it also means that some visitors may experience flu-like symptoms triggered by high altitude. Symptoms may include: headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing and difficulty breathing. Please make sure to allow your body time to adjust to the attitude especially if you are traveling from sea level. Drink plenty of water, eat and watch your alcohol intake. If symptoms persist or you have a concern about your health, please stop into one of Vail’s Ski Patrol outposts or call (970)-754-4610. 


Helmets: Wearing a helmet on the slopes reduces the chance of injury. Today’s high-tech models are light, warm, comfortable, breathable and customizable. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission research shows that helmets would prevent or reduce 7,700 head injuries suffered annually on the slopes (44 percent of the national total). A top priority for Vail Resorts is the safety of its employees and guests. Vail Resorts’ employee helmet program, which began in 2009, requires that all on-mountain personnel don helmets while skiing or operating snowmobiles. Children age 12 and under must wear a winter sport protective helmet while participating in ski and ride school. In addition, children and teens under age 18 who participate in designated children's classes or programs must wear a helmet. Helmets are a mandatory part of any child’s ski and snowboard package at all of Vail Resorts’ retail and rental outlets (unless a parent or legal guardian signs a waiver to decline use).
 
Electronic Devices: It’s hard to hear people around you with headphones on. What is someone is trying to ask you for help, or wants to thank you for skiing or riding safely and give you a free hot chocolate and you can’t hear them? Vail Resorts discourages the use of personal entertainment and communication devices because it compromises your ability to listen and react to your surroundings.
 
Make a Plan: Make sure you and your family members have a way to contact one another in the event of an emergency and set up a predetermined meeting spot for lunch and at the end of the day. Even with the best plans, things happen, so here are some helpful numbers to know. If you ever need assistance, please ask any Vail employee.

Lift Safety: Under Colorado state law, you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to negotiate or use the lift safely, or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to use the lift safely. You may not use a lift or any ski trail while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Backcountry Awareness: Our ski area boundaries separate the area Vail monitors from some pretty serious backcountry terrain. Because of that, and pursuant to the Colorado Ski Safety Act, the ski area assumes no responsibility for skiers traveling beyond the ski area boundary. To access the backcountry, use designated gates only. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled, maintained or controlled. Avalanches, unmarked obstacles and other natural hazards exist. Be aware: the backcountry avalanche hazard may be extreme. Rescue in the backcountry, if available, is the responsibility of the County Sheriff, is costly, and will take time. Please educate yourself on the current avalanche conditions and the use of rescue equipment.

Drones: AERIAL DRONES- Recreational drone use by any guest or member of the public, for any reason, is not permitted on or over any Vail Resorts property.

Accessibly for Individuals with Disabilities: For information about parking, restrooms and on-mountain wheelchairs, call our Mountain Information Center at 970.SKI.VAIL (754.8245).

Unmarked Obstacles: Be advised that Vail Mountain does not mark all potential obstacles or hazards. When marked, poles, flags, fencing, signage, padding or other forms of marking are used to inform the skier/rider of the location of a potential obstacle or hazard. These markers are no guarantee of your safety. It is part of your responsibility under the Your Responsibility Code and the Colorado Ski Safety Act to avoid all obstacles and hazards.

Colorado Ski Safety Act: The Colorado legislature, recognizing risks that are inherent in the sport, has passed the Colorado Ski Safety Act which provides inherent risks of the sport and relative responsibilities of the “skier” and the ski area. You must obey the Act. Under the Act, any person using the facilities of a ski area is considered a skier. A summary of the inherent risks is listed below:

Snowcats and Snowmobiles: CAUTION — Snowcats, snowmobiles and snowmaking, maybe encountered at any time.

Slow Zones: Certain areas (indicated on the map in yellow) are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe the posted slow areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Space and speed are especially important in these areas. Fast and aggressive skiing will not be tolerated and may result in termination of your skiing/riding privileges.

Avalanche and Snow Safety: Avalanches may occur both inside and outside of the developed ski area at any time and are an inherent risk of the sport. When skiing in deep, unconsolidated snow, beware of the risk of deep snow immersion accidents and/or suffocation, particularly around the base of trees. Always ski with a partner, stay aware and observe all posted signs and warnings.

Closed Terrain: If a sign indicates that certain terrain is closed, do not ski in the closed terrain. Skiing in closed areas is against the law and may result in loss of resort privileges.

Sun Protection: With every 3,000’ increase in altitude, UV levels rise by 10% –12%. We recommend eye protection and Supergoop! Broad Spectrum suncare products to ensure protection from UV rays.

Protect Your Skiing and Riding: Your ticket or pass is non-transferable and may not be resold or used by anyone other than the person to whom it was issued. Report lost or stolen passes to resort staff or law enforcement immediately. Resort staff may ask you to show your pass or ticket at any time. Failure to show a valid pass or ticket or engaging in fraudulent behavior of any kind may result in loss of resort privileges and/ or criminal prosecution.

Marijuana Consumption: It is illegal to consume marijuana in public.

 

 

safety
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AREAS: These areas are designated with an orange oval and may contain jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, snowcross, bump terrain and other constructed or natural terrain features. Prior to using Freestyle Terrain, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with Freestyle Terrain and obeying all instructions, warnings and signs.
 
Helmet use is encouraged! Watch a short film about helmet use.
 
Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air. Use of Freestyle Terrain exposes you to the risk of serious injury or death. Inverted aerials are not recommended. You assume the risk. Freestyle Terrain has designations for size. Start small and work your way up. Designations are relative to this ski area.
 
Freestyle Terrain
  • MAKE A PLAN. Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
  • LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. You are responsible for inspecting Freestyle Terrain before initial use and throughout the day. The features vary in size and change constantly due to snow conditions, weather, usage, grooming and time of day. Do not jump blindly. Use a spotter when necessary.
  • EASY STYLE IT. Always ride or ski in control and within your ability level. Do not attempt Freestyle Terrain unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely. You control the degree of difficulty you will encounter in using Freestyle Terrain, both on the ground and in the air.
  • RESPECT GETS RESPECT. Respect Freestyle Terrain and others. Only one person on a feature at a time. Wait your turn and call your start. Always clear the landing area quickly. Respect all signs and do not enter Freestyle Terrain or use features when closed.
EXTREME TERRAIN contains cliffs, very steep slopes as well as rocks and other hazards. Skiing or boarding Extreme Terrain is for EXPERTS ONLY.

UPHILL ACCESS POLICY

Vail Mountain Uphill Access Policy

Uphill Travel: Open for uphill on Simba out of Lionhead. Available only after hours, 4:30 to 8AM.


Cross-country skiers, snowshoers and hikers, etc are bound by Colorado Skier Safety Act, as amended, and should abide by Your Responsibility Code. Skiers must not impede or obstruct ski area operations at any time. When engaged in any of these activities one should:

Checklist for Uphill Travel:

  • Call the Trails Hotline (970) 754-1023
  • Uphill travel is permitted on designated routes from 30 minutes after the lifts close until 15 minutes before first chair.
  • Wear reflective materials
  • Stay towards the side of the trail
  • Position yourself so that you are visible from above
  • Wear brightly colored clothing
  • Dogs are prohibited at all times
  • Obey all pertinent signage
  • Avoid all areas where machinery is operating
  • Carry a light or headlamp
  • Be aware that ski area emergency services are NOT available

Uphill Routes

View Map

 
Colorado Ski Safety Act
The Colorado legislature, recognizing risks that are inherent in the sport, has passed the Colorado Ski Safety Act, which provides inherent risks of the sport and relative responsibilities of the skier; and the ski area. You must obey the Act. Under the Act, any person using the facilities of a ski area is considered a skier. A summary of the inherent risks listed below:

WARNING

Under Colorado law, a skier assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing, including: changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collisions with natural objects, man-made objects, or other skiers; variations in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities.

The Ski Safety Act was amended in 2004 to include CLIFFS, EXTREME TERRAIN, JUMPS AND FREESTYLE TERRAIN as inherent dangers and risks of the sport.

Skiers and Riders should be advised that a green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at Vail Ski Resort is not necessarily the same as a green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at other resorts. The system is a relative rating of trails at each resort and does not compare trail difficulty between resorts. Skiers and Riders should begin with the easiest terrain and then move up in difficulty as their ability permits in order to understand the relative rating at Vail.

Summer Safety on Vail Mountain

In Case of an Accident or If You Get Lost - . Call (970) 754 3049 from a cell phone. Wait for someone to answer, do not hang up until all pertinent information has been gathered. If you don't have a call phone call 1111 or retrace your steps or proceed downhill until you come to a working emergency phone located in a bright red box.

Construction Warning - Major improvements and repairs are made on Vail Mountain during the summer. Please be aware of construction, maintenance vehicles and heavy equipment, and obey any posted warnings. You may encounter construction vehicles on any mountain road. When using these routes be cautious and yield the right-of-way. 

 

Mountain Biking - Helmets and sturdy shoes with good tread are recommended at all times. Child carriers or tow-behind bikes are not permitted and all bikes must have two working hand brakes. All loose clothing, bags or packs should be firmly secured so they do not interfere with the bicycle’s moving parts. Mountain bikers must always yield to other non-motorized trail users. Should you encounter hikers or horses on any trail, you must yield the right-of-way. Ride on designated trails only and obey all posted signs and warnings. Failure to do so may result in lift ticket and/or pass revocation. 

Fire Danger - Smoking is prohibited on the lifts and is discouraged on-mountain due to fire danger. Report fires from any on-mountain emergency phone or call (970) 754 3049 from your cell phone.
 
Sun Protection - At 10,000 ft., exposure to the sun is 40% greater than it is at sea level. We recommend sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher, as well as eye protection. 

Lightning and Thunderstorms - Brief afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains. Seek shelter when you see a storm developing. You are responsible to take proper precautions that include keeping off ridge lines and staying clear of chairlift houses and towers, power lines, open spaces, lone trees and signposts. Lifts may close on occasion causing delays. Please take this into consideration when planning on-mountain activities. 

High-Altitude Environment - If you live at a lower elevation, you may tire more easily. Take it easy at first, plan short trips until you are acclimated and drink plenty of water. Some visitors may experience symptoms associated with Vail’s high altitude. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing and difficulty in breathing. If symptoms persist or if you have a concern about your health, you should seek medical attention. 
 
Adequate Clothing - Be aware, mountain weather changes quickly and there is usually at least a 10 degree temperature difference from the bottom to the top of the lifts. Bring a raincoat and consider a sweater or fleece. 
 
Lift Safety - Under Colorado law, you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to negotiate or to use such lift safely or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to use the lift safely. You may not use a lift when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please lower the bar when riding lifts. 

Weather and Terrain - Unpredictable weather, as well as rugged, uneven, irregular and slippery conditions exists. YOU ASSUME THE RISK. 
 
Multi-Use - Be aware that trails and roads on Vail Mountain are used for many purposes during the summer. Mountain bikes, hikers, horses, motorized vehicles, construction equipment and others may be encountered at any time. 

Please Be Aware Of Bears - Hikers rarely encounter bears, but if you do please remain calm and back away slowly. Vail Mountain asks that everyone is cautious and respectful of wildlife.